Health Benefits of Garlic – Garlic Chutney

Like ginger, garlic also has a long association with Indian cuisine and has long been considered a herbal “wonder drug”, with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague! Some of the usage of garlic ranges from treating mild acne to managing high cholesterol level and even to repel the ever nasty mosquitoes in Indian houses and locality. Modern science, through its studies, has shown us that garlic is a strong antibiotic in general ways and its benefits continue over a period of time.

As a matter of fact, the stronger the character of garlic, the higher the sulphur content will be, which entails greater health benefits. Off late, people have turned towards using the organically grown garlic which not only tastes better but also devoid of harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Some people have even gone to the extent of taking the garlic supplements to avoid bad breath and pungent taste.

Relevance of Garlic in Indian cuisine

Garlic, otherwise known as Lahsun or lassan, is considered hot by some perspective and does not find favour with people eating “Jain/Aesthetic” food but most of the Indian curries or preparations are not complete without it. It is staple in ginger-garlic paste which is the most widely used paste in the Indian kitchen.

Besides garlic bulb, it’s also popular as dehydrated, powdered or oil form and is exported to many parts of the world.

Garlic chutney

• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• Half a bunch of coriander leaves, cleaned and chopped coarsely
• 1 green tomato, chopped
• 2 green chilli, chopped
• 2 tbsp mustard oil
• Salt to taste

Method:
Place garlic, coriander leaves, tomato, green chili and adequate water in a blender. Blend, first on low speed and then on high speed until the mixture is smooth and paste consistency. Add mustard oil and salt and stir well. Rest in the refrigerator for 30minutes. Eat with bread, pakodas (Indian fritters) or samosas.

- Kuntal

Tags: palak, kulfi, lentil, idli, chicken, roti, dosa, dal, bhatura, sambhar